The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the flag state administrator for Nigeria’s maritime business; Dr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi last week led the Nigerian team to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which held at its headquarters in London.
Akpobolokemi was accompanied to the event by the director of the marine environment management department of NIMASA, Mrs. Juliana Gunwa.
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the flag state administrator for Nigeria’s maritime business; Dr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi last week led the Nigerian team to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which held at its headquarters in London.
Akpobolokemi was accompanied to the event by the director of the marine environment management department of NIMASA, Mrs. Juliana Gunwa.
Reports indicated that Nigeria has been forwarding its report to the IMO especially on the spill incidences and availability of enough reception facilities as spelt out by the MARPOL conventions.
But this meeting was convened in order to assess the level of implementation of the various conventions that have so far been ratified by the various member countries of which Nigeria is one. Also, the meeting which ended on Friday last week is the 19th session of the sub-committee on flag state implementation and was attended by 81 maritime nations, NGOs and other stakeholders.
Emphasis was placed at the meeting on safety at sea, protection of seafarers and domestication of various laws that will enhance security of lives and property at sea.
Other highlights of the meeting include the responsibilities of the various governments in implementing the conventions and measures to encourage flag state compliance.
Others include mandatory reports under MARPOL conventions which is the bedrock instrument on the protection of marine environment.
Also the issue of harmonization of port state activities was pegged for discussion but it was gathered that due to the importance of this topic to the port administration a guideline on this subject has been developed for serious deliberation during the meeting.
It was also gathered that the issue of shortage of surveyors which is paramount in the implementation of the provision of the guidelines will be given serious attention as port state control is a spot check on conformities with international maritime regulations.
However the committee will carry out comprehensive analysis of difficulties encountered by the various nations in the implementation of IMO instruments.
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